Flynn will act on work limit
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by Miles Brignall • EU social affairs commissioner Padraig Flynn says he will use legislation to implement his working time directive—but only as a last resort.
Speaking at last week's Trades Union Congress annual conference, he told union leaders that working maximum limits would be at the heart of a new European social programme to be launched by the Commission next year.
Although it is yet to be decided whether truck drivers will be covered by the working time directive, it is almost certain that UK drivers will face some kind of restriction when it comes into force at a date yet to be set. Central to the directive is a proposed 48-hour maximum working week, Despite playing down the threat of legislation and claiming that the proposals would be in line with other European Union initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects. Flynn went on to say: "Let me be clear, if action is necessary, I will not hesitate to propose the appropriate legislation and to promote it."
How such a directive will impact on the haulage industry is yet to be decided. Truck drivers are still technically on a list of exempt occupations, although Flynn is understood to want to include the transport sector.